The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has fined an online gaming company PHP 1 million over an unauthorized promotional campaign featuring content creator Ivana Alawi.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco disclosed the penalty during the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations’ deliberations on the regulator’s proposed 2027 budget on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Why it Matters: The case highlights PAGCOR’s restrictions on promotional activities by licensed online gaming operators, particularly campaigns involving celebrities and content creators. According to Tengco, the promotion was conducted without the regulator’s approval.
During the hearing, a congressman presented a printed image related to the promotional campaign featuring Alawi. The material appeared to be connected to a viral mobile phone giveaway campaign that circulated online.
Tengco confirmed that PAGCOR had already taken action against the gaming company.
The details: Tengco said the company was fined PHP 1 million for running the promotional campaign without PAGCOR’s approval. The regulator also ordered the company to immediately stop the promotion.
The campaign reportedly gained attention online because of Alawi’s involvement and its mobile phone giveaway component.
PAGCOR’s action means the operator cannot continue the promotion in its existing form. The company was also warned about possible consequences if it commits similar violations again.
The bigger picture: PAGCOR regulates licensed gaming operators and their activities in the Philippines, including how gaming companies promote their services.
Promotional campaigns can put gaming brands in front of large audiences, particularly when celebrities and social media personalities are involved. This also makes regulatory oversight important when such campaigns are connected to online gaming operators.
In this case, Tengco said the company proceeded without securing PAGCOR’s approval, prompting the PHP 1 million fine and an order to stop the campaign.
Between the lines: The penalty also serves as a warning to other gaming operators that promotional campaigns are subject to regulatory requirements.
Tengco said repeat violations could result in heavier penalties. These could include larger fines, suspension of the company’s license, and eventually cancellation of its license.
The warning gives PAGCOR additional enforcement options beyond the initial monetary penalty if an operator continues to violate its rules.
For Filipinos: The incident also shows how online promotions tied to gaming companies can reach audiences through personalities with large social media followings.
For consumers, particularly those who encounter giveaways and promotional campaigns online, the involvement of a familiar celebrity or content creator does not necessarily mean that the campaign has been approved by the regulator.
In this case, PAGCOR said the promotion featuring Alawi had not received the agency’s approval.
What’s next: The gaming company has been ordered to stop the unauthorized promotion. PAGCOR will also have the option to impose heavier sanctions if the operator commits further violations.
The disclosure came as the House Committee on Appropriations continued its deliberations on PAGCOR’s proposed 2027 budget, with Tengco appearing before lawmakers alongside other agency officials.
The Bottom Line: PAGCOR has fined an online gaming company PHP 1 million over an unauthorized promotional campaign featuring Ivana Alawi and a mobile phone giveaway. The operator was ordered to stop the campaign, while PAGCOR warned that future violations could lead to heavier fines, suspension, or cancellation of its license.
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